Helping people with learning disabilities live happy, healthy lives

At Minstead Trust we nurture the unique potential of people with learning disabilities.

We support them to achieve greater independence, lead fulfilled lives and live as full citizens in society.

Our unique and friendly style is based on a strong community spirit and has changed the lives of hundreds of people.

Find out about our services

How we can support you

Day opportunities

Safe, supported environments to learn new skills and make new friends

Supported living

Support in your own home to live a more independent life

Residential care

Our safe and scenic residential home in Minstead Lodge

Step Up For Work

A personalised programme will help you work towards employment

Community groups

Vital community lifelines for people with learning disabilities.

Latest news from Minstead Trust

Fresh start for Portsmouth library café

Olympic gold medallist visits Minstead Trust

Autumn plant sale at Furzey Gardens

Instagram feed

 

Here's a post from the new forest ecology ...

Oct 26

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Here's a post from the new forest ecology group. T Here's a post from the new forest ecology group. Today we're learning how to use binoculars and monoculars on our forest walk 🌳🦉🍄

Mental health has been something we have focussed ...

Oct 25

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Mental health has been something we have focussed Mental health has been something we have focussed on more than ever during the Covid-19 pandemic, supporting people to find ways to look after their mental as well as physical wellbeing. But as this unpacking shows, people with learning disabilities are more susceptible to poor mental health even in normal times. Something for us all to be aware of and seek to support.

It was a pleasure to receive a visit from our ...

Oct 21

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It was a pleasure to receive a visit from our frie It was a pleasure to receive a visit from our friends at Black Box theatre company recently. It was even better that they brought a cheque! Black Box kindly raised money for us through programme sales on their last tour and made an incredible £1,374. Here they are presenting the cheque to some of the people we support at Hanger Farm Community Theatre. Thanks guys!

As part of our harvest festival celebrations in ...

Oct 21

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As part of our harvest festival celebrations in Po As part of our harvest festival celebrations in Portsmouth we collected food for a local food bank. The guys popped along there this week to drop it all off and got a great response from the food bank volunteers. People with learning disabilities have so much to offer their communities - together we hope to make a society where it's much easier for them to do so 😀

Would you like to join our singing group? 🎼
...

Oct 19

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Would you like to join our singing group? 🎼 Th Would you like to join our singing group? 🎼 These fun and free singing sessions are for anyone with learning disabilities looking to develop their singing skills and grow their confidence in a friendly and supportive environment. For more information or to sign up please email: singing.group@minsteadtrust.org.uk #FreeSingingGroup #SingingGroup #DevelopSkills

We are delighted to be finalists in the ...

Oct 19

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We are delighted to be finalists in the @NewForest We are delighted to be finalists in the @NewForestBP Awards! We have been shortlisted for our work supporting people with learning disabilities with their health and wellbeing throughout the pandemic. This is testament to the tireless work of our care staff throughout this hugely difficult period - thank you to every single one of you. We will let you know how we get on in the final judging day... wish us luck! #business #awards #health #wellbeing

Here's Philip with a drawing of himself ...

Oct 18

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Here's Philip with a drawing of himself posing in Here's Philip with a drawing of himself posing in drama. Philip has never drawn a self portrait and enjoyed the new challenge. He said "I really enjoyed doing something different"

It's our weekly unpacking time again...
...

Oct 18

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It's our weekly unpacking time again... People w It's our weekly unpacking time again... People with learning disabilities are all different and wonderful in their own ways. This includes their level of disability, but more importantly their interests, hobbies and passions that make them a unique individual.

Minstead Stories

Be inspired by the stories of some of the people we support

'I found lockdown really stressful, couldn't get out and about as I can't walk far with my disability.

'I really missed going to Minstead. I was over the moon when I could come back!

'I come here because I enjoy it and I meet a lot of people - new people.

'I'm outgoing and I like doing arts and crafts, a bit of sewing now and again when I can with my arthritis.

'It makes me feel happy to come here - really happy!'

Janet's full story

'I’ve found it very challenging with the coronavirus.

'I felt sad during lockdown initially. I couldn’t go out for lunch at the weekend, I couldn’t see my friends and family.

'I was sad not to have Easter with my family at home. I’ve been feeling anxious and sad about it all.

'I have found my time at Furzey therapeutic. I like potting, pricking out and collecting and sowing the seeds.'

Maddie's full story

It has been a brilliant year, working in the gardens.

I enjoyed cutting the pumpkins for harvest.

I have started work at Paulton’s Park in the restaurant, it’s going really brilliant. I do it Friday and Sunday and we are seeing how it goes to see if I will do more days. It is my very first paid job.

Rhianne's full story

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Join our friendly team, meet new people and find a role that suits you.

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Hanger Farm

Furzey Gardens

Minstead Lodge